The Value of a Life

John Mueller, Ohio State political scientist, says, "the value of a statistical life turns out to be around $5 million" and when a soldier is killed "the government pays the family $600,000." When considering a human life including all of the potential ideas and capabilities of that person, regardless the true identity of the person, a dollar amount could never be set. How could all of the potential accomplishments be valued when one cannot see the future? Then we involve business and monetary decisions associated with roads and driving. Yes, modern and well maintained streetlights on every single road where a car may drive could prevent accidents and by association death. The other yes that comes with new, ample lighting is that it would be costly. But why don't we call the state official that voted against new streetlights in every neighborhood in Kansas a mass murderer because he believed the budget could not afford for that. Why not just arrest every official debating safety? There is no way to pay for every safety measure when lives priced at $inv,alu,eab.le even if that is what seems right. Should we state the new proposal "50 lives for $500 million?" What would you value your life at? How about a love one's? Then ask yourself who could pay for that and would they? Maybe not.